Body contouring is a popular cosmetic procedure in the country. It effectively eliminates stubborn fat pockets that defy exercise and diet. It is also great for tightening loose skin following intense weight loss. There are surgical and non-surgical body contouring Lakeland methods, and it is up to you to choose what works best for you.
Surgical body contouring is remarkably effective and produces visible results quite quickly. However, it is also invasive and requires quite a lot of preparation. If you want to make the most of your body contouring surgery, here is how to prepare.
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Have Realistic Expectations
Although body contouring can help you achieve your body goals, it is important to keep your goals realistic. This surgical procedure is not a weight loss program and should never be viewed as such.
The surgery removes a little fat from affected areas, like the tummy or arms. It is best undertaken after trying to lose weight using other methods like diet and exercise to no avail. In fact, most bariatric surgeons recommend maintaining the same weight for at least six months before surgery.
You should also note that the surgery is not recommended for people with a BMI of over 30. If you are obese, it is best to lose weight and then undergo the procedure.
Get Cleared by Your Doctor
Talking to your primary physician before undergoing body-contouring surgery is critical. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriateness of the surgery after considering every aspect of your overall well-being.
For instance, you may be on medication that could make post-surgery recovery difficult. Your primary physician may change your medication or alter the dosage to avoid complications during and after surgery.
Consider also requesting that all your medical records be sent to your bariatric or cosmetic surgeon. That way, they will decide about your surgery based on a solid grasp of your medical history.
Avoid Certain Medication
Your surgeon may recommend avoiding some drugs just before your surgery to prevent them from complicating the surgery and recovery. For instance, blood thinners like Aspirin and NSAIDs may increase bleeding during the procedure. Certain painkillers like Ibuprofen may also make the process more complicated. Be sure to tell your surgeon about every medication you are on so that they can assess its impact on your surgery.
Stop Smoking
You must also stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery and for a few weeks post-operation. Some doctors even advise that you refrain from smoking for six weeks before your surgery for the best results.
Studies have repeatedly shown that smoking harms your overall health, especially your skin. If you want your skin to heal properly after the body contouring surgery, avoiding smoking a few weeks before the procedure is best.
Make Post-Operation Plans
It would be best if you also made arrangements for your recovery after the surgery. Healing well post-operation requires plenty of rest, and you might feel too sore from carrying out everyday chores. Before leaving for the surgery, make plans to ensure the recovery period will be convenient for you. For example, meal planning or having someone stay with you the first few days after leaving the hospital can be immensely helpful.
Body contouring is a fantastic way to help you reach your body goals, thus giving you soaring confidence and lots of love for your body. To make the most of this surgery, it is best to set realistic expectations, give your surgeon your full medical history, steer clear of certain medications, stop smoking and make good post-operation plans.
